SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: LOG ACROSS THE WATER – FUNNY HOW THE COLORS

Log Across The Water
Funny How The Colors
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When an artist dubs himself (or herself) as Log Across the Washer, you are bound to hear something that is certainly a bit out in left field, something that you would either love or discard instantly.

If you add to that that such an artist gives their latest album — in this case their eighth — the title Funny How The Colors, that includes songs with titles such “Pirates Of Grass” and “Ok Dorks”, this sense is confirmed, adding to that the fact that it is going to be music that holds its tongue firmly behind its cheek. And yes, that is exactly what you get from Tyler Keene, aka Log Across the Washer, a guy who seems like he doesn’t care much whether his music is commercially viable, but certainly cares whether his music has substance, melody, and if possible, some quirky lyrics. Like his utterly pop, utterly catchy ode to a black metal band that goes under the name of Xasthur (“Listen to Xasthur”).

Does Keene come across on this album like a cross between R. Stevie Moore and Guided By Voices (but who takes a bit more care about his production)? Sure, but then that is actually a great thing, along with the fact that he has a knack a great sense of melody all his own.

An off-kilter delight all its own.

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